Backyard hens & livestock across Ontario

Can I keep chickens, bees, or livestock on my property?

171 of 444 municipalities in Ontario have an adopted bylaw on backyard hens & livestock on file. Each row links the municipality's answer page and, where transcribed, the full text of the document.

MunicipalityAdopted documentKey factsVerified
Admaston/Bromley
Township
By-law No. 2023-61 - Backyard Chickens By-law
adopted 2023-12-14
hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 to 12 depending on property size (under .25 ha: max 4; min .25 ha: max 6; min .5 ha: max 8; min 1 ha: max 10; min 1.99 ha: max 12) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Alfred and Plantagenet
Township
By-law 2013-53 - Backyard Hen Licensing and Control By-law
adopted 2013-07-15
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Amherstburg
Town
By-law 2022-008 - Keeping of Animals
adopted 2022-02-28
livestock rule: Domestic fowl prohibited unless Zoning By-law 1999-52 permits; max two of each non-prohibited animal kind per premises. · permit or licence: Dog licence required annually; fees per Schedule "A": spayed/neutered $16–$26; not spayed/neutered $26–$36; personal assistance dogs $0. · setback: at least forty (40) feet from any school, church, dwelling or other premises used for human habitation or occupancy (except keeper's own) 2026-08-28
Armour
Township
By-law #33-2024 - Backyard Chicken By-law (amended by #24-2025)
adopted 2024-05-28
hens permitted: True · max hens: up to twelve (12) backyard chickens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Armstrong
Township
By-law No. 2022-47 - Keeping of Animals and Registration of Dogs and Cats
adopted 2023-01-11
hens permitted: True · max hens: 5 or less · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Arnprior
Town
By-law No. 5991-11 - Animal Control hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Domestic fowl, horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, goats, swine or sheep permitted only on Rural, Agricultural, or Hazard zoned land. 2026-08-28
Assiginack
Township
By-law #2020-09 Backyard Chickens By-law
adopted 2020-07-07
hens permitted: True · max hens: five chickens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Augusta
Township
By-law 3576-2022 Backyard Fowl By-Law
adopted 2022-09-26
hens permitted: True · max hens: Up to 0.5ac: 5; Over 0.5ac to 4.94ac: 10; Rural under 2ha: 25 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Aylmer
Town
Animal Control By-law No. 09-06
adopted 2006-02-27
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: False · livestock rule: No person shall keep livestock within the Town except on lands where it is a permitted use under the Planning Act. 2026-08-28
Baldwin
Township
Animal Control By-law No. 2026-007
adopted 2026-05-11
livestock rule: Horses, domestic fowl, cattle, goats, swine, mink, sheep, mules, or similar livestock permitted only on appropriately zoned property. · permit or licence: Licence required for dogs, cats, and mini pigs; fee $20.00 each (dogs/cats $10.00 for seniors over 65). 2026-08-28
Barrie
City
By-law 2010-035 (as amended) - A By-law to regulate and govern animals including exotic animals within the City
adopted 2010-02-22
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Cattle, goats, sheep or swine only on lots exceeding 4.4685 hectares zoned Agricultural, Residential Hold or Industrial. 2026-08-28
Beckwith
Township
By-law 2024-11 - Licensing, Regulating and Keeping of Dogs and Other Animals (Residential Hen Regulations)
adopted 2024-03-19
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) egg-laying hens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Belleville
City
Zoning By-law 2024-100, Section 17.3 Backyard Hens
adopted 2024-03-11
hens permitted: True 2026-08-28
Billings
Township
By-law 2022-29 – Backyard Chicken By-law
adopted 2022-09-19
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Bonnechere Valley
Township
By-law No. 2016-024 - Being a By-law to Allow the Raising of Chickens or Ducks on a Property of Less Than 2 Hectares
adopted 2016-06-21
hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Bradford West Gwillimbury
Town
Animal Control By-law 2019-109 (Consolidated)
adopted 2019-12-17
hens permitted: True · bees permitted: False · livestock rule: No person shall keep livestock in any residential zone, as defined by the Zoning By-law. 2026-08-28
Brampton
City
Animal Services By-law 201-2023
adopted 2023-11-22
hens permitted: True · max hens: ten (10) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Brant
City
By-law 14-25 - Backyard Hens
adopted 2025-02-25
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Brantford
City
Animal Control By-law, Municipal Code Chapter 206 - Chickens Keeping (By-law 101-2022)
adopted 2022-06-28
hens permitted: True · max hens: Up to a maximum of 10 chickens · roosters prohibited: False 2026-08-28
Brighton
Municipality
Backyard Hen By-law No. 012-2021
adopted 2021-02-08
hens permitted: True · max hens: maximum of six (6) hens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Bruce Mines
Town
Chicken By-law No. 2025-21
adopted 2025-07-14
2026-08-28
Burk's Falls
Village
Care and Control of Poultry, Livestock and Exotic Animals By-law No. 17-2017
adopted 2017-11-21
hens permitted: True · max hens: up to four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Caledon
Town
Animal Care and Control By-law (Consolidation) No. 2019-43
adopted 2019-06-25
hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Callander
Municipality
By-law to Regulate Backyard Hen(s) No. 2025-2040 (Office Consolidated, incl. amendment 2026-2079)
adopted 2025-10-28
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) hens shall be permitted per lot · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Carleton Place
Town
Backyard Hens By-law 44-2021
adopted 2021-03-23
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Central Frontenac
Township
Zoning By-law No. 2011-52 (consolidated to July 11, 2023)
adopted 2011-10-25
2026-08-28
Central Manitoulin
Municipality
By-law 2024-07 - Keeping of Backyard Chickens
adopted 2024-05-30
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Chatham-Kent
Municipality
By-law 141-2024 (Backyard Chickens amendment to Responsible Animal Ownership By-law 170-2021)
adopted 2024-11-04
hens permitted: True · max hens: ten (10) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Cobalt
Town
Animal Control By-law 2025-23
adopted 2025-07-22
hens permitted: True · max hens: 3 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Cramahe
Township
By-Law 2016-22 - Backyard Hen Licensing
adopted 2016-05-03
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Deep River
Town
Backyard Hens By-Law 10-2021
adopted 2021-03-24
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Douro-Dummer
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law (consolidated) - Livestock, s.3.21 hens permitted: False · livestock rule: livestock, horses, poultry... shall only be permitted in the Rural (RU) Zone 2026-08-28
Drummond/North Elmsley
Township
Zoning By-law No. 2012-060 (June 2026 consolidation) - Hobby Farms and Backyard Hens, s.4.13 hens permitted: True · max hens: ten (10) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Dryden
City
By-law 2024-23 - Animal Control By-law, Section 7 (Backyard Hens and Farm Animals) hens permitted: True · max hens: five (5) on lot equal to and less than 0.4 hectares; ten (10) on lot greater than 0.4 hectares · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Dubreuilville
Township
By-law 2024-13, Animal Care and Control
adopted 2024-03-13
hens permitted: True · max hens: ten (10) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Dysart et al
Municipality
Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2005-120
adopted 2005-12-12
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · bees permitted: True 2026-08-28
East Gwillimbury
Town
Animal Care and Control By-law 2020-085 (as amended by By-law 2024-004)
adopted 2020-10-20
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
East Zorra-Tavistock
Township
Animal Control By-law 2001-54 (as amended)
adopted 2001-10-17
setback: not less than five feet from the property line 2026-08-28
Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
Township
By-law 2025-22 - Amend Zoning By-law 2022-37 (Domestic Fowl in Settlement Areas)
adopted 2025-04-29
2026-08-28
Englehart
Town
Animal Control By-law 2022-03 (amending By-law 2014-19)
adopted 2022-01-26
livestock rule: Section formerly known as #29 pertaining to horses, domestic fowl, cattle, goats, swine, mink, sheep & mules was removed. · permit or licence: Lifetime registration fee of $30.00 for dogs/cats; $10.00 reduced fee for seniors 65+ or spayed/neutered animals; nil for seeing eye, hearing ear, or police work dogs. 2026-08-28
Erin
Town
By-law 16-33 to Regulate the Keeping of Animals
adopted 2016-06-07
2026-08-28
Espanola
Town
Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 3022/21 (Backyard Chickens, s.3.1.3)
adopted 2021-06-08
hens permitted: True · max hens: 10 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Faraday
Township
Backyard Hen By-law 32-2017
adopted 2017-12-06
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Fort Frances
Town
Animal Control By-law 50/17
adopted 2017-10-23
hens permitted: True · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Artiodactylus ungulates (goats, sheep, pigs, cattle) and perissodactylus ungulates (horses, asses) prohibited within Town. 2026-08-28
French River
Municipality
Responsible Animal Ownership By-law 2023-45
adopted 2023-08-16
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: No person shall keep livestock unless the area is zoned for that purpose or lawfully used for that purpose. 2026-08-28
Front of Yonge
Township
By-law 05-21 — A By-law to Regulate the Keeping of Backyard Poultry in the Village of Mallorytown
adopted 2021-02-01
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Gananoque
Town
Urban Hen By-law No. 2020-092
adopted 2020-08-11
2026-08-28
Georgian Bluffs
Township
Backyard Poultry By-law No. 2024-040
adopted 2024-06-12
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) hens and/or pullets · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Georgina
Town
Urban Hens By-law 2022-0020 (PWE-1)
adopted 2022-03-30
2026-08-28
Goderich
Town
Animal Care and Control By-Law No. 111 of 2026, Part 11 - Backyard Hens
adopted 2026-08-10
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) hens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Gordon/Barrie Island
Municipality
Animal Control By-Law 2020-05
adopted 2020-04-07
2026-08-28
Gore Bay
Town
Bylaw 2021-16 - Regulate the Keeping of Exotic Animals and Domestic Animals Other Than Dogs
adopted 2021-05-10
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: True · livestock rule: No owner shall keep domestic fowl, horses, cattle, bison, goats, swine, mink, sheep, mules or similar livestock within areas defined as Residential. 2026-08-28
Grimsby
Town
By-law No. 10-06 - Animal Care and Control By-law, s.73 (Livestock)
+1 more
adopted 2010-02-01
livestock rule: Livestock only permitted on premises zoned to allow it under Town's Zoning By-law No. 71-74. · hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Guelph
City
City of Guelph Zoning By-law (2023) - Urban Agriculture definition hens permitted: True · livestock rule: Urban agriculture excludes agriculture, livestock based; livestock and horses not covered by the urban agriculture permission in all zones. 2026-08-28
Guelph/Eramosa
Township
Domestic Poultry By-law 04/2025
adopted 2025-01-13
hens permitted: True · max hens: maximum of ten (10) chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, or a combination thereof · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Haldimand
City
Animal Control By-law 1396-13
adopted 2013-09-23
2026-08-28
Hanover
Town
Animal Control Responsible Ownership By-law 2819-13
adopted 2013-08-12
hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: All livestock prohibited town-wide; no residential or urban zone exemption stated. 2026-08-28
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law (office consolidation of By-law 1995-42, amendments to and including By-law 2025-046, consolidated July 2025) hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock, horses, and poultry permitted only in Agricultural (A) and Rural (RU) Zones; prohibited in all residential zones. 2026-08-28
Hawkesbury
Town
By-law N° 18-2024 prohibiting and regulating the keeping of certain exotic and other animals
adopted 2024-03-04
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: All farm animals including goats, sheep, swine, pigs, lamas, alpacas, ostriches, chickens and all poultry prohibited. · permit or licence: Reptiles and lizards must be registered; fee per By-law N° 36-2023 2026-08-28
Hearst
Town
Zoning By-law No. 76-19 (Consolidated) - hen houses in residential zones hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Horse stables, cow barns and hen houses are not permitted in Residential Zones. 2026-08-28
Highlands East
Municipality
Zoning By-law (consolidated) - Section 3.42 Poultry
adopted 2018-06-06
hens permitted: True · max hens: up to 3 2026-08-28
Hilton Beach
Village
By-law 2024-23, Urban Hens (amends By-law 2020-09)
+1 more
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Domestic farm animals and fowl prohibited village-wide except on Rural (RU) Zone lands. · hens permitted: True 2026-08-28
Horton
Township
By-law 2024-05 Being a By-law to Regulate Backyard Chickens
adopted 2024-04-16
hens permitted: True · max hens: R1/R2/LSR: maximum of 6; Rural 0.5-2 acres: maximum of 10; Rural 2-5 acres: maximum of 20; Rural over 5 acres: no maximum · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Howick
Township
Township of Howick Zoning By-law 23-1984 (Consolidated Copy, May 2026)
adopted 1984-04-24
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock prohibited in Settlement Areas; exception permits 2 horses only if serving as primary transportation for dwelling occupants. 2026-08-28
Huron Shores
Municipality
Huron Shores Comprehensive Zoning By-law 26-10 (Office Consolidation, updated May 27, 2026) hens permitted: True · max hens: not more than 3 hens only · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Ingersoll
Town
Animal Control By-law 01-3990 (a by-law respecting animals)
adopted 2001-10-09
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Class 1 animals (horse, cow, mule, donkey, pony, goat, swine, sheep) permitted if stable is 90 metres from any dwelling. · setback: 90 metres (295.3 feet) from any school, church, public hall, store, dwelling or premises used for human habitation 2026-08-28
Innisfil
Town
Consolidated Animal Control By-law 069-22
adopted 2022-06-22
bees permitted: True · livestock rule: Livestock (Schedule C) prohibited in Primary Settlement Areas, Urban Settlements or Village Settlements; bona fide farming operations exempt · setback: 1 metre from any property line; 3 metres from a neighbouring Dwelling Unit 2026-08-28
Iroquois Falls
Town
By-law 3464/17 - Animal Control (Backyard Chickens)
adopted 2017-10-30
hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Kapuskasing
Town
Town of Kapuskasing Zoning By-law No. 4198 (Office Consolidation, December 2022) hens permitted: True · max hens: up to three hens per lot · livestock rule: Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, reptiles, and wild animals prohibited in any residential zone unless otherwise stated. 2026-08-28
Kawartha Lakes
City
Consolidated Animal Regulation By-law 2021-072 (Section 3.00 -- Backyard Chicken Coops, added by By-law 2024-049)
adopted 2024-03-19
2026-08-28
Kenora
City
Keeping of Animals By-law 150-2010
adopted 2010-08-09
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Domestic poultry prohibited citywide; areas zoned "Rural" are exempt. 2026-08-28
Killarney
Municipality
Backyard Hens By-law
adopted 2026-03-11
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 within town limits or on Waterfront Residential property; 12 outside town limits; 24 outside town limits on properties ≥5 acres · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Kingston
City
Animal Control Bylaw
adopted 2021-10-05
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
LaSalle
Town
By-law 8705 - Animal Care and Control
adopted 2022-05-24
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Domestic fowl, horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, goats, swine, sheep prohibited except on Agricultural Area-zoned land. · setback: Suitable Enclosure must be at least forty (40) feet from any school, church, dwelling, or other premises used for human habitation, except premises of the keeper's household. 2026-08-28
Larder Lake
Township
Animal Control By-law No. 1444-13
adopted 2013-03-12
livestock rule: Horses prohibited under Schedule C item 8 ('All Perissodactylus Ungulates'); other livestock not addressed. · permit or licence: Dog licence required (s.14), cat licence required (s.23); fee $20.00 before February 28, $30.00 after, per Schedule B. 2026-08-28
Laurentian Hills
Town
Comprehensive Zoning By-law #19-26, s.3.4 - Backyard Chickens / Urban Agriculture hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 chickens (lot < 0.4 Ha); 12 chickens (0.4 Ha to < 1 Ha); 20 chickens (1 Ha to < 2 Ha) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Leamington
Municipality
Zoning By-law 890-09 – Keeping Chicken and Fowl in the A5 Zone (Section 4.27.1)
adopted 2009-01-12
hens permitted: True · max hens: Maximum 6 chicken or fowl on properties under 0.2 ha; maximum 10 chicken or fowl on properties over 0.2 ha · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Lincoln
Town
Zoning By-law 2022-50 – Prohibited Livestock/Poultry Keeping (Section 3.9(v)) 2026-08-28
London
City
Animal Control By-law - PH-3 (Class 2 Animals, Part 6)
adopted 1993-11-15
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Class 1 animals (cow, donkey, goat, horse, mule, pig, pony, sheep) prohibited within the City of London's municipal boundaries. · setback: no less than 15 metres (49.2 feet) from any school, church, public hall, or store, dwelling or premises used for human habitation 2026-08-28
Machin
Municipality
By-law Number 41-2018 (Animal Control By-law)
adopted 2018-09-24
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 birds excluding fowl 12 weeks old or less · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Madawaska Valley
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 2026-50
adopted 2026-05-20
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Markham
City
By-law 2018-91, Animal Protection and Services By-law
adopted 2018-06-26
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: No person shall keep livestock in any area of the City unless the area is zoned for that purpose 2026-08-28
McDougall
Municipality
Backyard Hen By-law (By-law No. 2021-27)
adopted 2021-07-14
hens permitted: True · max hens: Maximum of 6 hens on lots 0.18 to 0.4 hectares; maximum of 10 hens on lots greater than 0.4 hectares; no hens permitted on lots smaller than 0.18 hectares · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
McGarry
Township
By-law Respecting the Management, Protection and Identification of Animals (By-law No. 2021-34)
adopted 2021-07-06
livestock rule: Domestic fowl, horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, goats, swine, mink, fox, or sheep permitted only on Natural Resources Zone or Rural Residential Zone lands. 2026-08-28
McNab/Braeside
Township
Backyard Chicken By-law 2015-106
adopted 2015-12-01
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 on residential; 12 on rural lots less than 2 hectares · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Meaford
Municipality
By-law 077-2014 to Regulate the Keeping of Backyard Poultry and Community Gardens
adopted 2014-09-22
hens permitted: True · permit or licence: Permit required; no fee stated 2026-08-28
Merrickville–Wolford
Village
Backyard Hens By-law 39-2024
adopted 2024-07-08
hens permitted: True 2026-08-28
Midland
Town
Animal Control By-law 2024-36 (Animal Control and Feeding of Wildlife)
adopted 2024-06-12
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: True · livestock rule: Schedule 'B' farm animals (including horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs) only permitted on lands assessed and zoned as farmlands. 2026-08-28
Milton
Town
Animal Control By-law 90-2004 (Consolidated)
adopted 2004-10-25
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Domestic farm animals permitted only in Rural Area (GA, GB, A1, A2, NEC); prohibited in Urban/residential zones. · setback: not less than 1.2 meters (4') from the property line 2026-08-28
Minto
Town
Exotic Animal By-Law 2020-73
adopted 2020-11-04
hens permitted: True · max hens: 5 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Mississauga
City
Animal Care and Control By-law 0098-2004
adopted 2004-03-10
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock (cattle, horses, goats, swine, sheep, etc.) prohibited; permitted only on lands zoned and used for agricultural purposes. · setback: Animal enclosures: at least 3 m (10 ft) from property line, 6.1 m (20 ft) from school, church, or residential building not on same lot; pigeon enclosures: at least 6.1 m (20 ft) from property line. 2026-08-28
Mississippi Mills
Town
Animal Control By-law 14-21 (Consolidated)
adopted 2014-05-06
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, horses, etc.) prohibited except on rural or agricultural premises zoned permitting such use. · permit or licence: Annual dog licence required; fee as set forth in the approved Fee Schedule. 2026-08-28
Mono
Town
Backyard Chicken Bylaw (Bylaw 2026-1)
adopted 2026-01-13
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Montague
Township
Animal Control By-law 4214-2026 hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Ungulates (horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, any hoofed animal) prohibited; exempted on Agriculture-zoned land per s. 18.3. 2026-08-28
Mulmur
Township
Backyard Chickens By-law No. 19-18
adopted 2018-06-06
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Newmarket
Town
Animal Control By-law 2020-30 (Urban Hens)
adopted 2020-06-29
hens permitted: True · max hens: three (3) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Niagara Falls
City
Animal Control By-law 2019-35
adopted 2019-03-19
hens permitted: True · max hens: 10 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
Norfolk
City
Animal Care and Control By-Law 2014-46 (as amended, incl. 2019-67)
adopted 2014-04-08
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
North Dumfries
Township
Backyard Chickens By-law 3646-26
adopted 2026-06-22
hens permitted: True · max hens: No more than 4 Hens on a property less than 0.8 ha (2 acres) and no more than 10 Hens on properties equal to or larger than 0.8 ha (2 acres) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-28
North Grenville
Municipality
Backyard Laying Hen By-Law (By-law No. 96-2025)
+1 more
adopted 2025-12-16
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock permitted only on land zoned for that purpose or lawfully used for that purpose. · hens permitted: True 2026-08-28
North Stormont
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law No. 08-2014 (2021 Consolidation), Section 3.4 Backyard Chickens hens permitted: True · max hens: 10 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Norwich
Township
By-law No. 39-2013, To Prohibit, Regulate and Restrict the Keeping of Animals
adopted 2013-10-08
livestock rule: Livestock in Schedule B are restricted; prohibited in settlement areas and registered subdivisions unless zoned Agricultural or Existing Residential. 2026-08-29
Oakville
Town
Animal Control By-law No. 2018-006 (consolidated)
adopted 2018-04-03
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Prohibited anywhere in the Town, except for agricultural use within an agricultural zone. 2026-08-30
Oliver Paipoonge
Municipality
Zoning By-law 01-2019 (Revised January 2025) - Section 3.18 Prohibited Uses hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Keeping or raising livestock, exotic birds, reptiles, or wild animals prohibited on any residential lot or in any residential zone building. 2026-08-29
Orangeville
Town
Animal Control By-law No. 2024-026 (Office Consolidation, amended to August 11, 2025)
adopted 2024-04-29
hens permitted: True · max hens: three (3) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-30
Orillia
City
Municipal Code Chapter 287 - Hen Coop Licensing hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Oshawa
City
Animal Care and Control By-law 14-2010 hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · bees permitted: True 2026-08-29
Owen Sound
City
Keeping of Certain Kinds of Animals By-law 1997-089
adopted 1997-06-23
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Domesticated horse, ass, cattle, goat, deer, swine, sheep, or fowl permitted only in General Rural Area per Zoning By-law. · setback: 7.5 metres of any adjacent dwelling 2026-08-29
Parry Sound
Town
Backyard Hens By-law 2021-7164
adopted 2021-09-07
2026-08-29
Pelham
Town
Backyard Hens By-law 44-2023
adopted 2023-07-07
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Perry
Township
Poultry By-law (Backyard Hens) 2023-51
adopted 2023-10-18
hens permitted: True · max hens: 7 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Perth East
Township
By-law 24-2025 - Backyard Chicken Licensing (two-year pilot program)
adopted 2025-05-21
hens permitted: True · max hens: maximum of four (4) backyard chickens/hens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Petawawa
Town
By-law 1806/26 - Backyard Chickens By-law
adopted 2026-02-02
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 on lots less than one acre; 12 on lots one acre or larger · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Peterborough
City
By-law 21-112 - Animal By-law (Schedule A: Prohibited Animals)
adopted 2021-12-13
hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Galliformes (chickens), Anseriformes (ducks/geese), Artiodactyla (deer, elk), Perissodactyla (zebra, tapir) prohibited citywide; pot-bellied pigs excepted. 2026-08-29
Point Edward
Village
Village of Point Edward Comprehensive Zoning By-law 25 of 2012 (as amended)
adopted 2012-09-25
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Keeping of Livestock prohibited in all zones; livestock includes cattle, horses, swine, sheep, laying hens, chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats, rabbits. 2026-08-29
Powassan
Municipality
By-law 2023-13 - Backyard Chickens
adopted 2023-05-16
hens permitted: True · max hens: five (5) chickens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Prince
Township
Zoning By-law 2015-19 (livestock prohibition) hens permitted: False · bees permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock, poultry, and bees prohibited in Hamlet Zone; no livestock on Rural Area lots 0.8 ha or less. 2026-08-29
Prince Edward
City
By-law 108-2023, Backyard Hen By-law (amending By-law 234-2020)
adopted 2023-06-13
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 in settlement area; 10 on Rural Residential (RR) zoned lots · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Quinte West
City
By-law 11-138, Backyard Hen Licensing and Control By-law
adopted 2011-09-19
hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Ramara
Township
Bylaw 2022.54 - Temporary Use (Backyard Chickens)
adopted 2022-06-27
2026-08-29
Renfrew
Town
Prohibited Animal Bylaw (By-law No. 26-2016)
adopted 2016-04-26
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Domestic fowl, horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, goats, swine, mink, fox, or sheep only on properly zoned lands. 2026-08-29
Richmond Hill
City
Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Regulation By-law No. 22-25
adopted 2025-03-26
2026-08-29
Rideau Lakes
Township
By-Law 2019-60 - Regulate Backyard Chickens in Residential Areas
adopted 2019-11-04
2026-08-29
Russell
Township
Urban Hens By-Law (By-law 2023-094)
adopted 2023-09-11
hens permitted: True · max hens: 3 (lots 500–2,999 sq. m); 5 (lots ≥3,000 sq. m) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Sarnia
City
Animal Control By-law 234 of 1992 ('A By-Law Respecting Dogs, Rabbits, Pigeons and Domestic Fowl', consolidated, amended by By-laws 178 of 2019 and 84 of 2024)
adopted 1992-12-21
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 standard size chickens; 12 bantam/miniature chickens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Saugeen Shores
Town
Chicken By-law 42-2017 (consolidated with By-law 41-2019)
adopted 2017-05-08
hens permitted: True · max hens: 5 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-30
Scugog
Township
Prohibited Animals By-law 13-15
adopted 2015-03-09
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock prohibited except in a Rural Area Zone. 2026-08-29
Selwyn
Township
Animal By-law (Consolidated 2019-104 & 2024-080)
adopted 2019-12-10
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Animals incidental to farm/agricultural use only permitted in agricultural zones. 2026-08-29
Severn
Township
By-law 2023-33 (as amended by 2023-77), Care, Restriction, Regulation and Prohibition of Various Animals
adopted 2023-12-06
hens permitted: True · max hens: twelve (12) chickens per property · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Shelburne
Town
By-law 15-2018, Animal Care and Control By-law (as amended)
adopted 2018-03-26
hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Artiodactyla (cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) and Perissodactyla (horses, donkeys, mules) prohibited throughout municipality. 2026-08-29
Shuniah
Municipality
Backyard Chickens By-law 2974-17 hens permitted: True · max hens: five · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Sioux Lookout
Municipality
By-law 09-23, Regulate the Keeping of Animals Within the Municipality
adopted 2023-05-17
2026-08-29
Smiths Falls
Town
Backyard Hens By-law (By-law No. 10616-2025)
adopted 2025-05-05
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Smooth Rock Falls
Town
By-Law No. 2024-24; Backyard Chicken Pilot Project 2026-08-29
South Dundas
Municipality
Township of South Dundas Zoning By-law No. 2010-48 (office consolidation, November 2022)
adopted 2010-07-20
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock keeping permitted only in Rural (RU) and Agricultural (AG) zones; poultry and birds are classified as livestock. 2026-08-29
South Frontenac
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2003-75 – Hobby Farm hen allowance (Sec. 5.41) hens permitted: True · max hens: ten (10) · bees permitted: True 2026-08-29
South Glengarry
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law – Prohibited Uses (3.32) hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock keeping permitted only in Rural (RU) Zone or Agricultural (AG) Zone, subject to Minimum Distance Separation Requirements. 2026-08-29
South Huron
Municipality
By-law 29-2014 – Domestic Birds, Animals and Exotic Animals (Consolidated)
adopted 2014-05-05
hens permitted: True · max hens: twenty (20) in total of domestic fowl or rabbits · setback: at least 3m from the lot line and at least 15m from any lot line that abuts a school or church property 2026-08-29
South River
Village
By-law 49-2022 – Regulate the Keeping of Poultry and Livestock (Amended)
adopted 2022-11-14
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
South Stormont
Township
By-law 2021-032 – Responsible Pet Ownership By-law
adopted 2021-04-14
livestock rule: Keeping livestock outside a permitted zone is an offence under the by-law. 2026-08-29
South-West Oxford
Township
By-law 76-2017 – Animal Care and Control (Consolidated 2023)
adopted 2017-12-19
livestock rule: No person shall keep or raise any livestock within any Residential Zone. 2026-08-29
Southgate
Township
Zoning By-law 19-2002 – Livestock on Residential Lots (Sec. 5.22)
+1 more
hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: False · livestock rule: Horses, domestic fowl, cattle, bison, goats, swine, mink, sheep, mules prohibited unless property is appropriately zoned. 2026-08-29
Southwold
Township
Backyard Hen Licence By-Law 2024-59
adopted 2024-10-28
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Springwater
Township
Backyard Chickens Licensing By-law 2020-091
adopted 2020-11-18
hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
St. Thomas
City
Animal Control By-law 71-2011 (as amended to By-law 115-2021)
adopted 2011-05-16
hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · bees permitted: False 2026-08-29
St.-Charles
Municipality
Backyard Hen By-Law 2026-16
adopted 2026-03-18
hens permitted: True · max hens: 5 within Town Limits or on Waterfront Residential; 10 outside Town Limits; 20 outside Town Limits on properties ≥5 acres · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Stone Mills
Township
By-law 2020-1021 - Backyard Hens By-law
adopted 2020-08-10
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 in Hamlet; 18 in Rural Area · setback: 1.2 m from rear and interior side lot lines; 3.0 m from adjacent dwelling windows/doors 2026-08-29
Tecumseh
Town
By-law 2025-087 - Animal Care and Control By-law, Section 17 (Keeping of Specific Animals)
adopted 2025-06-24
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: True · livestock rule: Livestock permitted only on premises designated Agricultural in a Zoning By-law; prohibited elsewhere. 2026-08-29
The Blue Mountains
Town
By-law 2026-40 - Backyard Hens By-law
adopted 2026-07-13
hens permitted: True · max hens: 6 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
The Nation
Municipality
By-law 61-2022 - Animal Care and Control By-law
adopted 2022-05-13
2026-08-29
Thessalon
Town
By-law 2737 - Backyard Chicken By-law (Backyard Hen Permit System)
adopted 2026-04-20
hens permitted: True · max hens: 4 · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Tillsonburg
Town
By-law 2021-013 - Animal Care and Control (Consolidated)
adopted 2021-01-25
hens permitted: False · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and other livestock listed as prohibited in Schedule A; banned town-wide under s. 14. 2026-08-29
Timmins
City
By-law 1994-4232 - Regulate and Prohibit Keeping of Certain Kinds of Animals (Office Consolidation to 2005)
adopted 1994-04-25
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock and horses prohibited except in rural agricultural (AT) or rural wilderness (AW) zones, confined to owner's property. · setback: No pigeon coop closer than 10 meters to a dwelling on any abutting or adjacent property. 2026-08-29
Tiny
Township
By-law 05-101 - Keeping of Certain Classes of Animals (Animal Control By-law)
adopted 2005-11-28
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Poultry and other livestock permitted only on lands zoned Rural A or Restricted Rural A1; prohibited elsewhere. 2026-08-29
Toronto
City
Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals
adopted 1999-02-04
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Prohibited citywide; permitted only on lands zoned agricultural or at specific named City premises 2026-08-29
Trent Hills
Municipality
By-law 2018-078, Amend Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2010-105 With Respect to Livestock on Smaller Rural Properties
+1 more
adopted 2018-09-04
hens permitted: True · max hens: Six (6) hens · livestock rule: Livestock permitted on lots under 8 hectares in Rural, Agricultural, Rural Residential, Special Rural Residential, and Shoreline Residential zones. 2026-08-29
Uxbridge
Township
Prohibited Animal By-law (By-law No. 2013-168)
adopted 2013-11-11
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: False · livestock rule: Livestock prohibited throughout Township except in areas zoned Rural (RU) per Township Zoning By-law. 2026-08-29
Warwick
Township
Animal Control By-law (By-law No. 93 of 2023, amended by By-law 78 of 2024) hens permitted: False · livestock rule: No person shall keep farm animals or livestock (chickens, goats) in a Residential Area unless permitted by the Zoning By-Law. 2026-08-29
Waterloo
City
Animal Control Bylaw 2009-047 (Schedule C - Fowl and pigeons)
adopted 2021-05-31
hens permitted: True · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Farm animals (cattle, horses, mules, goats, swine, sheep, etc.) shall not be kept except in areas zoned agricultural. 2026-08-29
Wawa
Municipality
By-law No. 891-93 to Prohibit and Regulate the Keeping of Animals within the Township of Michipicoten (now the Municipality of Wawa)
adopted 1993-10-05
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Horses, cows, goats, sheep, swine, and similar livestock prohibited except on Rural (RU) zoned land. 2026-08-29
West Elgin
Municipality
Backyard Hens By-law 2026-01
adopted 2026-01-22
hens permitted: True · max hens: six (6) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
West Lincoln
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2017-70
+1 more
adopted 2017-06-26
hens permitted: True · roosters prohibited: True · livestock rule: Prohibited on residential lots; permitted only on premises zoned for livestock under Zoning By-law 2017-70 2026-08-29
West Nipissing
Municipality
Backyard Chicken By-law 2024/74
adopted 2024-12-17
hens permitted: True · max hens: 10 hens for lots 4050–10,000 sq m in R1/R2/R3/SR zones; up to 50 or no limit for larger lots in RR/RU/A1/A2 zones; none permitted on lots less than 4050 sq m in any zone · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Whitby
Town
Prohibited and Regulated Animals By-law 7392-18
adopted 2018-04-16
hens permitted: False · bees permitted: True · livestock rule: Livestock prohibited except on agricultural property in rural area of at least five (5) acres in size. 2026-08-29
Whitchurch-Stouffville
Town
Animal Control By-law 2025-031-RE
adopted 2025-04-16
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: No owner shall keep any small or large livestock animal on any residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional zoned property. 2026-08-29
Whitewater
Township
By-law Number 23-05-1598 (A by-law to regulate the keeping and control of animals)
adopted 2023-05-03
hens permitted: True · max hens: four (4) · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Wilmot
Township
By-law 2023-19 (Exotic Animals By-law, Section 5 Backyard Hens)
adopted 2023-04-17
hens permitted: True · max hens: up to four laying hens · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Windsor
City
By-law 8156 (Prohibiting/Regulating the Keeping of Animals)
adopted 1985-03-18
hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, goats, swine, sheep and domestic fowl are prohibited at all premises. · setback: at least forty (40) feet from any school, church, dwelling or other premises used for human habitation 2026-08-29
Woodstock
City
Municipal Code Chapter 0232 - Livestock (Keeping of Livestock) hens permitted: True · max hens: ten (10) Avian Livestock · roosters prohibited: True 2026-08-29
Woolwich
Township
Comprehensive Zoning By-law 26-2024, Section 4 - General Regulations (Accessory Buildings) hens permitted: False · livestock rule: Cattle, sheep, goats, poultry not permitted in residential accessory buildings; horses for transportation regulated by s. 4.3. 2026-08-29
Zorra
Township
Animal Control By-law 43-15 (Office Consolidation, Section 7.3 Livestock added by By-law 62-24)
adopted 2024-12-04
livestock rule: No person shall keep or raise any livestock in any zone other than an Agricultural Zone. 2026-08-29

Nothing on file for backyard hens & livestock

Absence here is explicit, not a gap: each municipality below was checked, and its status says why there is no document.

Other bylaws on file, none on this topic (262) — Addington Highlands, Adelaide Metcalfe, Adjala-Tosorontio, Ajax, Alberton, Algonquin Highlands, Alnwick/Haldimand, Amaranth, Arran–Elderslie, Ashfield–Colborne–Wawanosh, Asphodel–Norwood, Athens, Atikokan, Aurora, Bancroft, Bayham, Black River-Matheson, Blandford-Blenheim, Blind River, Bluewater, Bonfield, Bracebridge, Brock, Brockton, Brockville, Brooke-Alvinston, Bruce County, Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan, Burlington, Burpee and Mills, Calvin, Cambridge, Carling, Carlow/Mayo, Casey, Casselman, Cavan Monaghan, Central Elgin, Central Huron, Centre Hastings, Centre Wellington, Champlain, Chapleau, Chapple, Charlton and Dack, Chatsworth, Chisholm, Clarence-Rockland, Clarington, Clearview, Cobourg, Cochrane, Cockburn Island, Collingwood, Conmee, Cornwall, Dawn-Euphemia, Dawson, Deseronto, District Municipality of Muskoka, Dorion, Dufferin County, Dutton/Dunwich, Ear Falls, East Ferris, East Garafraxa, East Hawkesbury, Elgin County, Elizabethtown-Kitley, Elliot Lake, Emo, Enniskillen, Essa, Essex, Essex County, Evanturel, Fort Erie, Frontenac County, Frontenac Islands, Georgian Bay, Gillies, Grand Valley, Gravenhurst, Greater Madawaska, Greater Napanee, Greater Sudbury, Greenstone, Grey County, Grey Highlands, Haliburton County, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Hamilton, Harley, Harris, Hastings County, Hastings Highlands, Head, Clara and Maria, Hilliard, Hilton, Hornepayne, Hudson, Huntsville, Huron County, Huron East, Huron-Kinloss, Ignace, James, Jocelyn, Johnson, Joly, Kearney, Killaloe, Hagarty and Richards, Kincardine, King, Kingsville, Kirkland Lake, Kitchener, La Vallee, Laird, Lake of Bays, Lake of the Woods, Lakeshore, Lambton County, Lambton Shores, Lanark County, Lanark Highlands, Latchford, Laurentian Valley, Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Lennox and Addington County, Limerick, Loyalist, Lucan Biddulph, Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional, Machar, Madoc, Magnetawan, Malahide, Manitouwadge, Mapleton, Marathon, Markstay-Warren, Marmora and Lake, Matachewan, Mattawa, Mattawan, Mattice-Val Côté, McKellar, McMurrich/Monteith, Melancthon, Middlesex Centre, Middlesex County, Minden Hills, Moosonee, Morris-Turnberry, Muskoka Lakes, Nairn and Hyman, Neebing, New Tecumseth, Newbury, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Nipigon, Nipissing, North Algona Wilberforce, North Bay, North Dundas, North Frontenac, North Glengarry, North Huron, North Kawartha, North Middlesex, North Perth, Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Northern Bruce Peninsula, Northumberland County, Oil Springs, Oro-Medonte, Otonabee–South Monaghan, Ottawa, Oxford County, Papineau-Cameron, Pelee, Pembroke, Penetanguishene, Perth, Perth County, Perth South, Peterborough County, Petrolia, Pickering, Pickle Lake, Plummer Additional, Plympton–Wyoming, Port Colborne, Port Hope, Prescott, Prescott and Russell, Puslinch, Rainy River, Red Lake, Red Rock, Regional Municipality of Durham, Regional Municipality of Halton, Regional Municipality of Niagara, Regional Municipality of Peel, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Regional Municipality of York, Renfrew County, Ryerson, Sables-Spanish Rivers, Sault Ste. Marie, Schreiber, Seguin, Simcoe County, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, South Algonquin, South Bruce, South Bruce Peninsula, Southwest Middlesex, Spanish, St. Catharines, St. Clair, St. Joseph, St. Marys, Stirling-Rawdon, Stratford, Strathroy-Caradoc, Strong, Sundridge, Tarbutt, Tay, Tay Valley, Tehkummah, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Terrace Bay, Thames Centre, The Archipelago, The North Shore, Thorold, Thunder Bay, Trent Lakes, Tudor and Cashel, Tweed, Tyendinaga, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Val Rita-Harty, Vaughan, Wainfleet, Wasaga Beach, Welland, Wellesley, Wellington County, Wellington North, West Grey, West Perth, Westport, White River, Whitestone, Wollaston.

No bylaws published online (8, verified negatives) — Brethour, Chamberlain, Fauquier-Strickland, Gauthier, Kerns, Moonbeam, O'Connor, Thornloe.

Unconfirmed (3, leads but nothing verified) — Coleman, Morley, Opasatika.

Machine-readable: backyard-hens.json · Backyard hens & livestock across every jurisdiction · All Ontario municipalities